Fishing Ban: The Gujarat government has decided to extend the ban on fishing activities in the Arabian Sea by a fortnight till August 15, a move the Congress claimed to be unfair and reckless, which will cause financial losses to fishermen.
Government’s Decision and Rationale:
A senior official from the Gujarat Fisheries Department stated that the decision was taken in consultation with the central government after considering a representation made by the fishermen’s association to allow more time for fish to breed. He said the government also considered scientific data and weather conditions to reach the decision, adding that the change is also likely to be adopted by other states on the western coast.
Historical Context of the Fishing Ban:
Since 2021, the annual fishing ban in the state has remained in effect from June 1 to July 31. On July 31, the state fisheries department issued a notification amending the Gujarat Fisheries (Amendment) Rules, 2020, which stated that no person shall carry out any type of fishing in the inland and territorial waters from June 1 to August 15 (a total of 76 days) in a calendar year.
Shaktisinh Gohil’s Response:
State Congress president Shaktisinh Gohil criticized the decision in a statement on Sunday, calling it unfair and reckless. He requested Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and the Government of Gujarat to reconsider and allow the fishermen to go to the sea immediately. Gohil claimed that the fisheries commissioner issued a circular at noon on July 31, stating that if the weather remains bad on August 1, 2, and 3, fishermen will not get the token to go fishing in the sea. However, at 7:00 pm on the same day, another circular was issued announcing a fishing ban till August 15.
Financial Impact on Fishermen:
Gohil highlighted the financial losses faced by fishermen due to the sudden extension of the ban. With the fishing season set to resume on August 1, fishermen had made arrangements for diesel, ice, and food items on their boats. Fishermen from faraway places had reached Jakhau in Kutch, anticipating the start of the season on August 1. They spent money on train tickets to reach their destination, where they will now be forced to wait for another two weeks.
Gohil also pointed out that, unlike other states, the Gujarat government does not provide any financial scheme to fishermen forced to stay home for two months during the fishing ban period.
Government’s Consultation and Future Plans on Fishing Ban:
The fisheries official, Meena, stated that the latest change has been made in consultation with the central government and is likely to be adopted by other states on the western coast. “We also consulted the Government of India. Probably from next year onwards, all western states will follow the same common ban period,” he said.
In 2020-21, 36,980 fishing boats were registered with the state government. According to the government, the revenue from marine fishing in Gujarat in 2021-22 was Rs 7,659 crore.
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